State-Fish Art Contest Promotes Conservation

New Entry Deadline for 2020 due to COVID-19:
April 30

The State-Fish Art Contest is part of a conservation education program designed to spark the imaginations of students while providing valuable lessons about fish and the importance of conserving Texas' aquatic resources. This is a nationwide art contest sponsored by Wildlife Forever, a national conservation organization. Students in grades 4 through 12 in public, private or home schools are invited to submit a drawing of an officially recognized state fish and a one-page essay on its behavior, habitat or conservation. Students in K-3 may also submit a drawing; the essay is not required for this age group.

A free lesson plan is available for assisting students who wish to enter the contest. Entries must be postmarked by March 31 each year and must comply with all rules and regulations. An official entry form must accompany all entries. For more information, watch this contest video.

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens is the official host for the Texas State-Fish Art Contest, and Texas entries are judged there. Winning Texas entries are forwarded to Wildlife Forever's headquarters in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, to compete for national awards.

State contest winners are invited to attend the national awards ceremony each summer. The Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest provides funds for cash prizes for Texas winners and for travel expenses for Texas first-place winners and their families to attend the national event. All Texas entrants receive a Strike King fishing lure and a certificate of participation.

The contest is sponsored by Wildlife Forever, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Rapala, The Art Institutes International Minnesota, Mall of America, North American Fishing Club, Minnesota Twins,
U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bass Pro Shops, Wonders of Wildlife and Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Wildlife Forever is a conservation organization whose mission is to conserve America's wildlife heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat and management of fish and wildlife.
Learn more at www.wildlifeforever.org.